I’ve been so desperate to get out sailing, and so resenting the halt in progress I made last year, that doubts started to creep in about my abilities. In the company of others who had sailed all their lives, I felt woefully aware of my inexperience.
“Nonsense,” said Mr B. “You’re a natural.” But the doubts persisted, not helped by an outing a few weeks ago when someone whose boat I was on assumed that I didn’t know much about sailing and told me to sit out of the way in the corner.
Last Wednesday the forecast was good, so Mr B and I decided to go for my first sail on Piran. I was nervous, to say the least, as it’s 10 months since we last sailed her, and I was convinced that my mind would stay blank once we got on board.
Admittedly rigging her made my brain spin a bit - Mr B looked at me at one point and said, “Where does this go?”
“I have absolutely no idea,” I replied, and we both laughed.
But from the moment we stepped on board I felt fine. It all came back, as naturally as breathing. I tacked smoothly and without upset, and I couldn't believe it.
There was a nasty moment when the shoe came undone half way up the mast, and Mr B had to stand on deck and reach up the mast to tie it on - actually that happened twice - while I tried to keep the boat steady with gusty winds and a group of lasers setting off racing. But we managed it and had a wonderful sail to St Just and back.
Which just goes to show that having a go at things you’re terrified of is a Good Thing. My confidence has gone up several notches. And we’re hoping to go out this afternoon…..
14 comments:
Good for you! You've done so much and really pushed yourself... be kind to yourself as well because we all think you've worked wonders!
Thanks Chris! It doesnt feel like it but thanks anyway!
Sounds interesting even though I have no idea about the technology you are describing - guess I will be sitting in the corner!
Jut think a few months ago, you feared you would never get better, but it sounds like you have. A good blast of fresh air in the process too.
Totally agree with everything Chris says, especially the 'being kind to yourself, bit. To a landlubber like me, you make sailing sound like so much fun.
Rena - I'm really glad! And yes I am being kind to myself x
Addy - yes I fear I am impatient!
DC - you and me both!
Well Done You! At least you have a sailing partner who knows you well and has a sense of humour. Enjoy your next trip even more.
Thanks Kim - yes he knows me very well and our shared sense of humour is a blessing. too windy yesterday so hoping to go out this afternoon.
Great to build up confidence like this and it sounds like you've had a great experience. I've been building up confidence myself recently with one thing and another and it definitely makes you feel better about yourself.
CJ x
Wow! I can't believe how well you're doing with the sailing and great that you have such a good friend to help and guide you through 'troubled waters', if you pardon the pun.
I had to smile at your previous post, where you were told to sit in the corner like a naughty schoolgirl, if nothing else, rather rude!
Hope you're enjoying the weekend and are managing to set sail,
love Di.x
Thanks Di - had an amazing sail yesterday!
CJ - glad to hear you've been building your confidence, too. It helps in life doesnt it? x
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